SR Day 10 – Lynchburg, VA to Washington, DC

Fri, May 22, 2026

Lynchburg, VA

Tree of Life Ministries

Before Buzz Mullens presented plaques and certificates to many of the people who support Run For The Wall Southern Route, Gump Hudson and Big Spoon Miller gave an inspiring “Why We Ride” presentation.  

Gump called out the names of each of the nine fallen soldiers of the 507th Maintenance Company which was ambushed during the Battle of Nasiriyah in the rapid advance towards Baghdad during the 2003 invasion of Iraq on 23 March 2003.

Say their names.  Tell their stories.  Never forget.
And live a life worthy of their sacrifice.

For several days I have been thinking about why and how Karoni “Hoops” Forrester is uniquely qualified to be RFTW SR Outreach Coordinator and part of the team that facilitates healing for the families of POW, MIA and KIA service members.

Fishersville, VA

Sheetz

Standing under the roof overhang outside at Sheetz, I overheard part of a conversation between  Karoni “Hoops” Forrester and Gold Star Son Bryan Knight.  It helped me to realize that one of the things they have in common is that they have been going through the grieving process for the loss of their Dad from an early age.  They also shared having to deal with the confusion that results when there is no clear answer to why the loss of their Dad is a mystery.

How can there be a US Flag and no casket or urn?  Why does the pledge of “No Man Left Behind” not apply to their loved one?  Well, those shared experiences are why Hoops can be so effective in helping others process their grief.

Front Royal, VA

DoubleTree by Hilton

After enjoying PBJ sandwiches and drinks passed out by the Hydration Team, we went to a conference room inside for our final All RFTW Riders Meeting of 2026.  Both Buzz Mullen and Santa Ed used the occasion of May 22 to remind us to “Give a Damn” about 22 veteran suicides per day and to reach out to any veteran we see who is struggling.

This SitRep is a work in progress.